MADAM – Recently, I paid a visit to Stroud with my two dogs.

The last time I had visited the town was about 35 years ago. This time, I enjoyed a walk in the sunshine round the town centre and bought a copy of the News and Journal (February4).

I then took my dogs on to Rodborough Common.

To my dismay, there was a lot of dog mess all over the common.

I felt that I had to watch my step all the way and would not want to take my dogs there again.

After returning home, I read your excellent paper.

I was very disappointed to learn that an incinerator will be built in the area at Javelin Park, Haresfield.

Toxic emissions from the incinerator will be potentially very harmful to people living many miles down wind of the chimneys.

The late Dr Dick Van Steenis researched airborne pollution and often presented evidence against incinerators, which in many cases led the authorities to reject them.

In particular, he pointed out that ‘Incineration of waste vaporises heavy metals, making the particulates emitted even more lethal when you inhale them into your lungs’.

I am sorry for the area that you may have this health risk imposed on you.

I would not want to live anywhere near the incinerator.

Dr Clifford Williams

Andover Hampshire